A fine bargain
Ray Barnes | Surrey, British Columbia Canada | 01/21/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"At full or medium price I would rate this album only 4 stars. At only 60:13, the playing time is not very generous. The sleeve notes only offer brief commentaries on the operas and translations of the German texts in English and French. There is no information at all on any of the performers. The recording is not as detailed and sumptuous as some of its finest rivals. There is no concert ending to the Almachtige Jungfrau aria from Tannhauser. Given there is a fine performance of Dich, teure Halle, I think it would have been preferable to include a selection from a different opera.The orchestral playing is generally of high quality. In Brunnhilde's Immolation the brass phrase with mild roughness, not unlike the sound of the Reginald Goodall CD with the Sadler's Wells Opera Orchestra. I think it is effective.Klaus Tennstedt conducts with some restraint in the Tristan Act I Prelude; I found at the very beginning and ending of this piece the orchestra was almost inaudible. I thought the CD had stopped playing. Some may also argue that this reading lacks some passion and power, and the climax does not have the force that it should. The Liebestod and the rest of the program are played with greater sonority. Perhaps it was the conductor's intention to create the impression of having power in reserve during the Prelude, then releasing it later. Generally the tempi are moderate, not too fast or slow.The glory of this CD is the singing of Jessye Norman. In the Liebestod she produces tones reminiscent of Kirsten Flagstad. In the climax at Welt-Atems, she does not get swamped, but matches the volume of the orchestra, on the same note. Her warmth, power, diction and accuracy are admirable. The selections from Tannhauser, apart from the abrupt cut-off on the aforementioned Act III aria, Der fliegende Hollander and Gotterdammerung are also successful. The distinctive fullness and richness of her voice is readily apparent. Admirers of Jessye Norman should try to hear this CD. I believe this is her only recording of Brunnhilde's Immolation, and taking into account the excellent support she receives from Tennstedt and the LPO, it could be a first choice for many regardless of price. I would rank it as one of the very best I have yet heard. I cannot compare this Liebestod to the Karajan performance in Vienna, but it should not dissapoint anyone. In spite of some reservations, this CD is warmly recommended."
Track Listings (6) - Disc #1